Training in a Logical Sequence
(Page 69) When equine training is done in a logical and sequential way with each new stage building on the one before, it can be non-abusive, fun and easy for you and your equines! Most resistance comes when you, your equine or both of you are overwhelmed with the task at hand. Training should not just be learning to do “things.” Just as a baby learns to crawl, before he walks, walks before he runs and develops his coordination before he can play sports, your equine needs to build his body slowly and methodically if he is to perform tasks easily. Much of the time, we think we are doing this, but we forget that we need to prepare his body to carry a rider first! The equine is naturally built to carry weight BELOW the spine and not necessarily on the top of the spine. This is why it is so important to develop the core muscles and elements that support the spine FIRST through careful, specific and meticulous leading exercises done in our “Elbow Pull” through the Hourglass Pattern. This will encourage good posture and symmetrically balanced body movement.
When this has been adequately developed, the next two stages are to facilitate coordination through the negotiation of different obstacles, first by rhythmically walking straight through (Stage #1) and then by breaking them down into much smaller steps with long pauses between steps (Stage #2). All this will take place before doing any lunging in the Round Pen to solidify his good equine posture. This will keep the equine from compromising his balance by leaning like a motorcycle in the Round Pen. He will learn to lunge on a lunge line in the confined space of the Round Pen and learn the cue to keep him on the circle BEFORE he is asked to lunge on the lunge line in more open spaces. He will learn the effects of communication through the long lines (rein cues) in the Round Pen before he is asked to respond to these cues during Ground Driving in the open arena.
By the time he has gone through all these logical and sequential steps, when he is finally mounted, the only thing left for him to learn is to move away from the pressure of your legs on his sides. Get healthy and find JOY all at the same time with your equines using our comprehensive training program. Learn the details of this sequential and logical approach to training for yourself AND your equine in the various sections under TRAINING on my website. If you cannot find the answers you are seeking, email me at meredith@luckythreeranch.com and I will answer your questions promptly!
